What does the Open Mines Doctrine protect for life tenants?

The Open Mines Doctrine specifically protects existing mining operations that were in place before the creation of a life estate. This principle allows the life tenant to continue to extract minerals that are already being mined, without infringing on the rights of the remainderman, who will inherit the property after the life tenant's interest ends.

The doctrine is based on the idea that the life tenant should be able to benefit from mineral rights that have already been established, as these operations have longstanding value. It does not extend to new mining ventures initiated by the life tenants, nor does it cover rights to open land for farming or all mineral rights within the estate indiscriminately. Thus, the focus is firmly on the protection of ongoing activities rather than new developments or complete rights to the minerals.